Cane and Grain
Cane and Grain occupies 49-51 Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, spread across three distinct floors that each function as a different bar. The ground floor is a straightforward cocktail bar with booth seating and exposed brick. The basement, called The Liar's Club, is a rum bar with a tiki theme, low ceilings, and a DJ booth that runs late on weekends. The first floor is a speakeasy-style space accessed through a hidden door, serving craft cocktails in a more intimate setting. Each floor has its own menu and atmosphere. Cocktails run GBP 8-12 across all levels. Beer is GBP 4.50-6. The venue serves food on the ground floor: burgers, loaded fries, and bar snacks at GBP 7-14. Late license runs until 3 AM on weekends.
What to Expect
Three bars in one building, each with a different character. The ground floor is the accessible entry point. The basement is a tiki-themed rum bar with late-night DJs. The first floor is a quieter speakeasy. Moving between floors gives the evening a sense of progression without changing venue.
Each floor has its own feel. The ground floor is social and conversational. The basement is louder, darker, and more party-oriented. The first floor is intimate and cocktail-focused.
Ground floor: background music, indie and pop. Basement (Liar's Club): funk, soul, disco, hip-hop DJ sets. First floor: jazz and downtempo.
Casual to smart casual. The Northern Quarter standard. No strict enforcement on any floor.
Groups who want variety without moving between venues. The three-floor format works well for groups with different preferences.
Cards and contactless accepted on all floors.
Price Range
Cocktails GBP 8-12, pints GBP 4.50-6, food GBP 7-14, no cover charge
GBP 4.50-14 ≈ USD 6-18 / EUR 5-16
Hours
Mon-Wed noon to midnight, Thu noon to 1 AM, Fri-Sat noon to 3 AM, Sun noon to midnight.
Insider Tip
Start on the ground floor for food and cocktails, then explore downstairs to The Liar's Club for rum cocktails and DJs. The first-floor speakeasy is worth finding; ask the bar staff if you can't locate the entrance. Weekend nights get crowded after 10 PM, so arrive earlier for a seat.
Full Review
Thomas Street is one of the Northern Quarter's most bar-dense roads, and Cane and Grain sits in the middle of it. The three-floor concept is the venue's strength. Each level functions as a standalone bar, but the ability to move between them creates a built-in progression for the evening.
The ground floor does the basics well. The cocktail list is competent, the burgers are good enough for pre-drinking food, and the booth seating works for groups. It's a comfortable starting point that doesn't demand commitment.
The basement, branded as The Liar's Club, is the most characterful space. Tiki-themed decor, rum-heavy cocktails, and a DJ playing funk and soul create a different atmosphere from the ground floor. The ceiling is low enough that tall people need to mind their heads. On weekend nights, the basement fills and the dancing starts, making it one of the Northern Quarter's better late-night options for people who don't want to commit to a full club.
The first floor is the smallest and most intimate space. The speakeasy conceit (hidden entrance, darker lighting, craft cocktails) is a familiar format, but it's executed well here. The bartenders know their craft, and the quieter atmosphere makes it suitable for conversation.
The food deserves mention. The burgers are made with decent patties, the loaded fries are generous, and the wings are properly cooked. At GBP 7-14, it's fair value for the Northern Quarter. Having food on site eliminates the need to eat elsewhere before a night out.
The main issue is weekend crowding. After 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, all three floors fill and movement between them becomes difficult. Arriving before 9 PM secures a seat and a less hectic experience.
The Neighborhood
Thomas Street runs through the Northern Quarter between Shudehill and Stevenson Square. The street has multiple bars and restaurants within steps. Terrace rooftop bar is at number 43. Stevenson Square and its bars are a two-minute walk south.
Getting There
Shudehill tram and bus interchange is a 3-minute walk. Manchester Victoria station is 5 minutes. Piccadilly Gardens is 5 minutes south.
Address
49-51 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1NA
Other Venues in Northern Quarter
Night & Day Cafe
Legendary Oldham Street venue that has hosted early gigs from Elbow, Arctic Monkeys, and dozens of others since 1991. Live music most nights with a late bar.
Band on the Wall
Historic live music venue on Swan Street, recently renovated, hosting jazz, world music, and electronic acts since 1935. Two performance spaces.
Matt & Phred's
Northern Quarter jazz bar on Tib Street with live music six nights a week. Pizza and cocktails in a relaxed basement setting.
Terrace
Rooftop bar above the Northern Quarter with views across Manchester's skyline. Cocktails, DJs on weekends, and a retractable roof for British weather.
Afflecks Palace Bar (Takk)
Specialty coffee shop by day on Tariff Street that transitions to craft beer and natural wine in the evening. A quieter alternative to the main strips.